There’s a reason that the members of Rush are considered some of the most accomplished musicians on the planet. Natural ability? No doubt. But that’s not the whole story.

Even to this day, the guys continue to practice and experiment while many other musicians just mail it in. I’m not talking about rehearsing for a few weeks before the band goes on tour. As drummer and lyricist Neil Peart explains in this recent interview, they actually rehearse independently for a few months before “formally” rehearsing for a few months. In effect, they rehearse to rehearse. Even as they approach 60, they still want to get better—and live up to (no, exceed) the ridiculously high live standards they have set since the mid-1970s.

As a writer, I can churn out what I think is good copy in short periods of time. Why? Sure, I enjoy it, but that’s not it. Creative folks have to keep at our craft.